Seamless Tubular Extracellular Matrix Prosthetic Valve and Method for Forming Same

Abstract

A seamless prosthetic valve having an outer abluminal surface, a triple walled intermediate portion, and at least one valve leaflet that is configured to selectively restrict fluid flow through the valve, the valve leaflet being formed by suturing the triple walled intermediate portion at a first commissure connection point.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13 / 804,683, filed on Mar. 14, 2013.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to prosthetic valves for replacing defective cardiovascular valves. More particularly, the present invention relates to seamless tubular extracellular matrix (ECM) prosthetic valves for replacing defective aortic, pulmonary, mitral, tricuspid and / or peripheral venous valves, and methods for forming same.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]As is well known in the art, the human heart has four valves that control blood flow circulating through the human body. On the left side of the heart is the mitral valve, located between the left atrium and the left ventricle, and the aortic valve, located between the left ventricle and the aorta. Both of these valves direct oxygenated blood from the lungs into the aorta for distribution through the body.[0004]The tricuspid valve, lo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides seamless prosthetic valves that have several advantages compared to previous valves. These valves help reduce or eliminate the growth of muscle cells in blood vessels and the associated health issues that come with conventional valves.

Problems solved by technology

As discussed in detail below, since a majority of venous blood flow is against gravity while a person is standing, incompetent or destroyed venous valves can cause significant medical problems in the legs, ankles, and feet.

In the case of a stenosis, the native valve does not open properly, whereby insufficiency represents the opposite effect showing deficient closing properties.

Insufficiency of the inlet (atrioventricular) tricuspid valve to the right ventricle of the heart results in regurgitation of blood back into the right atrium, which, serving to receive blood flow returning in the veins from the entire body, then results in turn in suffusion and swelling (edema) of all the organs, most notably in the abdomen and extremities, insufficient forward conduction of blood flow from the right ventricle into the lungs causing compromise of pulmonary function, and ultimately pump failure of the right heart.

Insufficiency of vein function due to the incompetence or destruction of peripheral venous valves leads to acute then chronic swelling of the veins and their dependent lymphatics and tissues.

Medical conditions like high blood pressure, inflammatory and infectious processes often lead to stenosis and insufficiency.

A major drawback associated with most tubular prosthetic valves, such as the valves disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,126,686, is that the valves are typically formed from one or more sheets of tissue material, e.g., submucosal tissue, which is initially wrapped around a mandrel to form a tubular structure.

The resulting tubular construct thus includes a seam extending the length of the construct, which can, and in many instances will, cause perivalvular leakage.

Implantation of a prosthetic valve, including mechanical valves and bioprosthetic valves, also requires a great deal of skill and concentration given the delicate nature of the native cardiovascular tissue and the spatial constraints of the surgical field.

There are numerous drawbacks and disadvantages associated with suturing a valve to host tissue.

A major disadvantage is similarly the high risk of perivalvular leakage.

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